Wikipedia Launches Guide to Spotting AI-Generated Content

Wikipedia’s New AI‑Writing Detection Guide

In an effort to maintain the integrity of its vast encyclopedia, Wikipedia’s volunteer editors have created a detailed guide for spotting text generated by large language models. The guide is a core component of the Project AI Cleanup program, which began in 2023 to address the growing volume of AI‑assisted contributions.

The guide identifies several recurring hallmarks of AI‑written prose. One common trait is the use of vague, generic language that emphasizes a subject’s significance without offering concrete evidence, such as repeated references to a topic being “pivotal” or part of a “broader movement.” Another indicator is the inclusion of minute, often irrelevant details that attempt to establish notability, a tactic that mimics personal biographies rather than independent, sourced reporting.

Editors also note that AI‑generated text frequently relies on present‑participle constructions that vaguely claim ongoing relevance—phrases like “emphasizing the significance” or “reflecting the continued relevance” of an idea. Additionally, the guide points out a tendency toward marketing‑style adjectives, describing scenes as “scenic,” “breathtaking,” or “modern,” which can make the prose sound more like a commercial script than an encyclopedia entry.

By compiling these observations, Wikipedia aims to empower both readers and contributors to critically evaluate content and flag potential AI‑authored material. The project reflects a broader commitment within the Wikipedia community to safeguard the quality and verifiability of information in an era of increasingly sophisticated language models.